It would take a 4.5% ROI just to cover your admin costs and break even.You could look at simply opening a self-directed IRA with a low fee custodian like IRA Services Trust Co in the Bay Area or Kingdom Trust Co in KY. 

On the flip side, students can sometimes cause more damage than your average renter, so make sure you're asking for a deposit that will cover you if they destroy the place and always make sure you require renters insurance.

Need to know how to draft a wholesale contract and what to include in it to cover my back.

We decided to offer them an option: a gift card for groceries or a new shade cover for the backyard.

I currently live in Thomasville but also cover Winston-Salem, High Point, Lexington, High Rock Lake, Lake Norman, Badin Lake, and other surrounding.

Thanks Jeff,Neither familial status, nor commute time is even remotely part of my screening - I was merely trying to paint the full picture about possible reason for bankruptcy (death of husband) and probably was overthinking all details. 

That way if any tenant in the future has issues or questions about this situation you will be covered from a liability stand point.

Can you post a picture?

Regardless of the market these investments have to pay for themselves with rent coming in to cover all expenses, build up reserves and give you a profit.

Over-leveraging is more of a problem if you don't have the income or reserves to cover the debt service.